Byrdland

The Gibson Byrdland Florentine cutaway model originally had a rounded, ‘Venetian’ cutaway between its introduction in 1955 and 1960, and regained the Venetian cutaway in 1969. Modern Custom Shop ‘reissue’ models are available with either shape, since 1992. The Byrdland had its origins in the requirements of busy working session guitarists – two working session guitarists in particular. Hank Garland and Billy Byrd were two of the top Nashville players throughout the 1950’s.

The Gibson Byrdland thinline archtop electric appeared in 1955 and represents a functional adaptation to traditional archtop electrics. Two top Nashville session players, Billy Byrd and Hank Garland were approached by the Gibson president, Ted McCarty for ideas on new products. As busy players, Byrd and Garland wanted a shorter scale length of 23.5 inches to allow complex, extended chord shapes.

The Gibson ES-350T has been built in three periods, with two scale lengths. From 1955 to 1964, it had a standard 24.75 inch scale length. From 1977-1981 and 1992-1993, the scale length is 25.5 inches. As well, the initial production used P-90 pickups till the new Humbucking models were introduced in 1957. This model was intended as a lower cost, yet professional grade alternative to the solid spruce top Byrdland, and uses laminated Maple construction for feedback resistance. The fingerboard is Indian Rosewood, on a Maple neck.

This Gibson Byrdland dates to 1974 and was built at the Gibson Nashville plant, and carries the Venetian cutaway. It is in overall good condition though the original case and pickguard are gone. This guitar has been used as intended, so it has some wear, dings and dents. The finish has some natural checking, and fingernail marks around the treble volume control. The frets are fairly low but still playable. The electronics and hardware other than the volume / tone knobs are original. The tuners are gold-plated Grover Imperials with metal tulip shaped buttons, and of course the engraved Byrdland tailpiece is there.